[CONFEDERATIONS CUP] Flashback to the 2002 World Cup final where Brazil capped off an inspired run with a 2-0 win over Germany in Yokohama, Japan. Led by
Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and a young Ronaldhino, the Seleção displayed some of the most attractive and exciting soccer the world has ever
seen. This 2002 Brazilian squad embodied the characteristics of Brazilian soccer that fans have come to expect from the five-time World Cup winners: a clinical striker capable of dazzling runs toward
goal and a crafty playmaker able to make passes with lethal accuracy through defenses.

While Brazil’s attackers deservedly receive most of the credit for Brazil’s triumph in
2002, the play by defensive midfielder Gilberto Silva should not be overlooked. Gilberto put on an exemplary performance as a box-to-box midfielder, where his solid defense and
effective distribution could jumpstart Brazil’s electrifying attack, all the while shielding the Brazilian backline from counterattacks.

In the two World Cups since 2002, Brazil has
produced its fair share of strikers and playmakers, but has often lacked a true workhorse in the center of the field willing to do the dirty work necessary to win trophies.

Enter
Paulinho, a name largely unfamiliar to soccer fans outside of Brazil, that is, before this past month’s Confederations Cup. Paulinho, 24, has followed a rather unique career
path compared to his teammates. At the age of 18, Paulinho left Brazil for Lithuania to play for FC Vilnius in the Lithuanian top division. The following year, Paulinho traveled to Poland to play a
season for TKS Lodz before returning home to Brazil to play for several lower division teams. In 2009, Brazilian powerhouse Corinthians spotted and signed him, where he has been a mainstay in the
midfield ever since.

For Brazil’s Confederations Cup opener against Japan, Brazil’s coach Luiz Felipe Scolari paired Bayern Munich’s Luiz
Gustavo with Paulinho in the defensive midfield, behind the star-studded front line of Neymar, Oscar and Hulk. Scolari’s decision almost immediately paid off, with Paulinho netting
Brazil’s second goal on their way to a 3-0 win.

Paulinho scored again in the semifinals against Uruguay, this time a dramatic 86th minute winner off of a corner from
Neymar. While no doubt this goal was crucial to Brazil’s triumphant Confederations Cup campaign, perhaps Paulinho’s greatest feat was containing Xavi,
Andres Iniesta, and the rest of Spain’s famed midfield during Brazil’s 3-0 rout of La Roja in the final.

Paulinho showed the tactical awareness, defensive
ability, physicality, and ball skills characteristic of a world-class defensive midfielder, and may finally be the heir to Gilberto Silva that Brazilian fans have been waiting for.

But
Paulinho’s skill in the attack puts him in a different class than Gilberto. Paulinho connected well with Oscar and Brazil’s other attackers, and as shown by his scoring
tally, he is not hesitant to burst into the opponent’s 18-yard box.

Paulinho’s complete performance in Brazil earned him a nomination for the tournament’s Golden Ball
award for best player, as well earning him several European suitors.

Tottenham appears set to win Paulinho’s signature and there’s rumor that his transfer to White Hart Lane
could be finalized in a matter of days. Paulinho’s Brazil teammate and Chelsea defender David Luiz has already tipped Paulinho for success abroad, by stating that,
“[Paulinho’s] game fits perfectly with the pace of English football.”

While a lot can change for a player in a year, at this point in time Paulinho seems set to start
for Brazil at next summer’s World Cup, and Brazilian fans hope that perhaps his steady play will be the needed piece for Brazil to be crowned World Cup champions on their home soil next summer.

Good article, Alec. You pointed out an important issue that is always overlooked by pundits and fans alike; the importance of a good box-to-box central midfielder, the defensive and less flashy type. Believe it or not, I kind of predicted Spain would not do well this cup when I heard that Alonso will not be with the team. Look what happened to Liverpool after they let him go. There are many examples where teams faltered after they let their excellent defensive midfielder leave or he got injured. Makelele in Real Madrid, Vierra in Arsenal and Lucas in Liveprool are few of those. Every successful team needs an excellent central box-to-box defensive midfielder.

Paulinho was indeed the missing piece to the puzzle. You got that right.
Your comparison, however, lacks a little bit of historical soccer knowledge.
In 2002, Gilberto was already the defensive midfielder when Kleberson arrived. Kleberson was the game changer, playing in the exact same position as Paulinho plays now, and also being the best player for Brazil in the WC final against Germany.
The role of Gilberto Silva is now the role of Luiz Gustavo, which is to play together with the central backs and covering them. Not at all the same position as Paulinho plays. Also, Gilberto Silva had a terrible distribution. That is exactly the reason why Edmilson was a sweeper at the time and Gilberto would go back to cover for him while he distributed the ball with Kleberson...